Apologies if this has already been asked; I’ve had a look and couldn’t see a specific answer.

It’s been a week since I introduced a 13 week male Bengal to our existing 6 year old Bengal boy. Everything has been going pretty well. I did the ‘safe room’ the sock stroking, exchange of bedding etc. The last two nights they both slept on my bed, about two feet apart with their backs to each other, and when they are a comfortable distance apart seem to exchange ‘cat kisses’ (that slow blink ) and there have been no punch ups (yet) However, whenever either of the boys gets too close, one Lways spits and sets the other one off, and then they each wander off chuntering like Bengals do. Sometimes it’s the baby, sometimes it’s the adult.

Is this usual and should I just be patient? They don’t seem to hate each other, and the kitten certainly is quite feisty and can look after himself, but I thought things might have settled down a bit by now.

Welcome to our forum. What you are experiencing is natural. You have an older cat who has territory in your home and doesn't want the new baby in its "space." Hissing and growling are fine. Fighting aggression is not and it sounds like that is not happening. Know that my two cats spar occasionally. But, they can lay inches apart on our bed, too. Things should continue to improve. Since your newest little one is only 13 weeks old, you probably didn't the safe room and scent thing for very long. Still, it was better than nothing. The fact that they can sleep together on your bed says a lot. Cats are vulnerable when they are sleeping, so things appear to be going okay for you.

And if you want things to "settle down," you are in for an adventure. These two will eventually run and jump and play and knock things over and get loud. Just give them time.

Well, things have developed a bit. The night before last, the boys decided to play chase - at 1:30 in the morning! We were both used as launch pads as they careered around the bedroom and across the bed and our heads. There was still a spit from either one when they caught each other and Bruno (adult) thought it was entertaining to sit flicking his tail like a snake. The kitten (Buttons) naturally pounced on the tempting tail being offered and got his ears boxed for his efforts!

Whilst they’re not yet cuddled up together, I think we are progressing nicely after all. They’re a bit like a pair of children being introduced. When one cat is playing with a ball, the other is watching very closely almost as though he’s waiting to be asked if he’d like to join in.

So much for "settling down." My two were at it at 1:30 this morning as well, so the DSH went outside and into the heated cat house since it was raining out. Then Raiden got on his cat wheel a few times. He has so much energy after a short nap. The fact that your babies are interacting is great. They should become good friends at some point. My two are not cuddlers with each other, but they will sleep close to each other without a problem. One thing is clear ... your kitten has confidence and is not hiding or backing away.

Whilst they’re not yet cuddled up together, I think we are progressing nicely after all. They’re a bit like a pair of children being introduced. When one cat is playing with a ball, the other is watching very closely almost as though he’s waiting to be asked if he’d like to join in.

A 6-year old and a 13 week old kitten are at such different parts of their lives. If you had two 13 week old kittens, I think having the expectation that they would soon be best friends, and that it would manifest by them becoming constant "cuddle buddies" might be a realistic expectation (or at least hope). But when we're talking about a middle-aged cat and a kitten, the relationship that they have now, and that you are describing may be very well the best it's going to get. That they accept each other's place in the home, are willing playmates, and have territorial disputes where nobody is getting hurt, is actually a really good outcome! Once the kitten gets bigger though, and he has his own ideas about how the home's resources should be divided between them, things could very well change. Enjoy what you have now. A lot of multi-cat owners would kill to have it so good.

Oh, and what you are describing about the play etiquette regarding toys, I think that can be best explained as the watching cat saying "I got next".

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